Ernest Hankins

Ernest T. Hankins, affectionately known as Ernie, was born October 30, 1962 in Grenada, MS to Ruby and the late Robert T. Hankins. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age at St. Paul M.B. Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Willie L. Wright. Ernie entered his heavenly home on August 2, 2024 at 8:28 A.M. after a short battle with cancer.

Ernie had such a great sense of humor, he loved telling jokes and would keep you laughing all the time. He was the life of the party with his smile and just his presence alone would light up any room. He loved his family tremendously, especially his momma. There was nothing like Ruby Hankins to Ernie. He jokingly called her “OG”,  or “Rubes”. He was so kindhearted and would give you the shirt off his back. 

Ernie loved cooking and he was a Master Chef on the barbeque grill.  He was also a master at cooking greens. He showed so much love to his family, and family get-togethers were so special to him. He loved playing Dominos (bones), Spades, shooting pool, watching sports, and listening to music. It was during family gatherings that he would always sing his favorite song, “I Know I’ve Been Changed.” 

Ernie is preceded in death by his father, Robert T. Hankins; paternal and maternal grandparents; one granddaughter, Markeyshia Allen, and one nephew. 

Ernie married Debra Woods on July 13, 2021. He leaves to cherish his memories; his wife, Debra; his children, Lakisha Allen (Marisa), Shakira (Tyreace Childs), Jaelen Young; his bonus children, Eric Breathett, Tamika Newsome, Teiera Newsome, and Rayshawn Newsome; his loving mother, Ruby Hankins; his brother, Lamar Hankins; his two sisters, Elder Delores (David) Hampton, and Gayle Tanzy; four grandchildren, one great-grandchild, aunts, uncle, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

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